This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant and zesty appetizer made with fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, spicy sauce. It’s the perfect light and refreshing dish for a summer gathering or a healthy snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is bursting with flavor and packed with fresh ingredients! The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice, paired with a tangy ketchup sauce and a kick of hot sauce, creates a truly irresistible dish. It’s super quick to make, low in calories, and completely gluten-free—perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a light, refreshing way!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced cucumber, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and tomatoes.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Toss the Cocktail
Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve and Garnish
Serve the shrimp cocktail chilled, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for added flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño for an extra level of heat.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy variation.
- Avocado-Free: If you’re not a fan of avocado, leave it out and use extra cucumber or tomatoes for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: This dish is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as they are cooked, peeled, and deveined. Just thaw them before making the recipe.
Can I substitute the ketchup with something else?
Yes, you can use a sugar-free ketchup alternative or make your own by combining tomato paste with a little water, vinegar, and a sweetener of choice.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is low-carb and keto-friendly, as it doesn’t contain any grains or sugars (except for the ketchup, which can be adjusted to fit your dietary needs).
Conclusion
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a quick, flavorful, and healthy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its mix of fresh ingredients, spicy kick, and creamy shrimp, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it as a starter at dinner or enjoying it as a light snack, it’s sure to impress with its bold and fresh flavors. Enjoy!
Print
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
A vibrant and zesty appetizer made with fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, spicy sauce. This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect light, refreshing dish for summer gatherings or a healthy snack!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced cucumber, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and tomatoes. -
Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Toss the Cocktail:
Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. -
Serve and Garnish:
Serve the shrimp cocktail chilled, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add more hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy variation.
- Avocado-Free: If you’re not a fan of avocado, leave it out and use extra cucumber or tomatoes for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Seafood
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
